Wrexham v NFU (NL)

Ferriby travel to North Wales on Saturday for their first-ever visit to Wrexham. It’s a vital game for The Villagers as they bid to climb out of the bottom four of the Vanarama National League.

The reverse game in November ended in a goalless draw. A similar result on Saturday would be welcome but Steve Housham would obviously prefer all three points.

Wrexham are comfortably placed between the promotion and promotion and relegation zones. Wrexham have struggled to find the net this season, but not as much as Ferriby. The Welsh side have scored 26 goals including 15 at home Their home record has seen them win seven and draw four of their 14 home games, They have on their last two at home.

A win for Ferriby on Saturday could see them move out of the bottom four. The side is in a position that many expected them to be this season but they have surprised many with their performances this season. The club has made friends both on and off the pitch as it experiences football at non-league’s highest level for the first time.

Defender Sam Topliss is looking forward to the game,
“At training, Housh and Stampy said just go to Wrexham and have a go, not just to sit back and defend. It’s a big club and nice ground but we are not fearing anything going there, and all the lads are confident”

To some extent, Ferriby’s home defeat to Dagenham& Redbridge last Saturday was frustrating. The Villagers matched the Essex side in most departments of the game except in the one that matters the most, scoring goals. The goal attempt statistics were similar for both side. It could have been a different game had Reece Thompson scored in the first 15 minutes when Ferriby were on top. However, he missed a good opportunity and Dagenham scored twice soon after.

Manager Steve Housham commented afterwards,
“We’ve come off scratching our heads. We felt it was a really flattering scoreline. It sums up the story of our season, they were just more clinical in front of goal.

“I think their goals were preventable but it would be harsh to have a go at the players for their overall performance.”

“We could jump out of the bottom four with a win at Wrexham. It’s unbelievable for us to still be in that position this far into the season. I don’t think anybody expected it. WE dust ourselves down from last Saturday’s game and go for it.”

Housham is down to the bare bones of his squad. On loan midfielder Levi Sutton has been recalled by parent club Scunthorpe United. His fellow Scunthorpe loanee, Kyle Wootton, has yet to have his loan extended. This may not happen as there is, apparently, interest from a Football League club in the player. With Simon Russell and Steve Brogan still injured , Housham’s team may virtually pick itself.

Housham says’ “Me and Stampy are looking for a target man but it has to be right for the team, we can’t afford to upset what we have at the moment.”